When Teesside mum Andrea Bullock gave birth to her son Morgan, it was a huge blow to find out that he was blind.

It was even more distressing to learn that he had other complications, and infuriating when she was faced with a battle to secure urgent treatment.

But what made this awful situation almost intolerable for Andrea was news that doctors had known all along that little Morgan had spina bifida - but had omitted to tell her.

Exactly why this happened has not been explained.

But James Cook hospital admitted it failed to tell her and has apologised for any extra upset this caused.

Such honesty is commendable, albeit far too late.

What is now needed is a new, detailed policy for all medical staff so that lessons can be learned from this unfortunate incident. Never again should a mother who faces such extreme life challenges be subjected to such inexusable folly.